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The cultural anchor of Sarnia’s new downtown was unveiled Friday as the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery open its doors for the first time.

The $10.3-million project, years in the making, welcomed community members for a dignitary reception leading up to the official Oct. 5 public opening.

Gallery officials, politicians and volunteers celebrated the milestone with a reception in the lobby and conference in the second-floor lecture hall.

The project has long been touted as a source of rejuvenation for the city’s downtown core. As dignitaries spoke of the role of art in the community, buildings on Christina and Lochiel Streets were framed by the hall’s long windows.

“I hope (the gallery) becomes a catalyst. I hope it’s a place where people feel welcome,” said curator Lisa Daniels.

“I’m hoping it becomes an activated social space and I think it’s starting to.”

The state-of-the-art building was built inside the facade of the 119-year old Thom building — a clash between classic and modern reflected in the gallery’s four opening exhibits.

The county’s permanent exhibit features over 1,100 pieces of historical, contemporary and new media art.

Permanent pieces are currently featured in a colourful second-floor room - one of three “traditional” gallery spaces.

Beneath the high-ceiling of the third floor are two special exhibits. Canada on Canvas was brought in from the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Featuring works by Canadian artists, the exhibit is divided into three categories - paint, person and place.

One of the most striking works is a ‘tableau vivant’ exhibit from New York-born artist Adad Hannah.

The installation is divided into two tableaus - school and prison and features monitors displaying video images of posed actors. The images are projected in front of two live school and prison-based backdrops.

Something Had To Be Done by Ben Skinner, the fourth gallery exhibit, has no fixed location, featuring unique pieces placed throughout the building.

“We had a vision that any place the artist wanted to use in the building could be activated,” Daniel said.

The gallery has much more to offer, Daniels said, adding its true potential might not be apparent until after a few exhibition cycles.

The history of Sarnia’s gallery dates back a century to a group of women who fought to convince the city art was a worthy expenditure in the post-First World War era.

Daniels said it’s tough to place the birth of the modern gallery, but huge steps were taken at a Jan. 2010 county council meeting when the community overwhelmingly voiced its support.

The federal government provided nearly $4 million for the project. MP Pat Davidson noted it was community support that brought the gallery to life.

“It really showcases what the community has and what the community can do,” she said.

The journey of Sarnia’s newest cultural attraction wasn’t without speed bumps. The opening comes a year later than scheduled and the construction about $1 million over budget.

“We’ve been a bit impatient in waiting for it to happen,” said Norman Alix, who with his wife, Judith, donated $1.5 million to the project.

“But it’s sure a great day to see it all put together.”

Despite the hefty price tag, officials hope the gallery will further spur the area’s artistic movement and attract development to Sarnia’s resurgent downtown core.

“To be able to see a community the size of Sarnia have a facility such as this is really rewarding,” said Davidson.

The public opening is Oct. 5 and will coincide with Sarnia’s First Friday cultural walkabout.